Maharashtra: Cotton acreage rises in Daund; sowing covers 2,412 acres
In the Daund taluka of Maharashtra's Pune district, the area under cotton cultivation is expanding alongside traditional crops. Known for the cultivation of sugarcane, onions, wheat, and pomegranates, this region is seeing cotton emerge as a significant Kharif season crop. According to available data, cotton has been sown across 2,412 acres in Daund taluka this year.
In the 2021-22 season, cotton was cultivated on only 255 acres in Daund taluka. Since then, the acreage has seen a steady increase. This growth is attributed to both the farmers' growing interest and the guidance provided by the Agriculture Department.
In the Daund region, a spacing of 4.5×2 feet is typically maintained for cotton sowing. Subsequent cultivation practices involve weeding and the application of fertilizers and pesticides as required. The average cotton yield in the area is reported to be between 18 and 20 quintals per acre.
Current data indicates that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for high-quality cotton is ₹8,667 per quintal, an increase of ₹557 compared to the previous year. With a good harvest, farmers can earn between ₹1.50 lakh and ₹1.75 lakh per acre over a five-month period.
It is claimed that planting sugarcane after a cotton crop leads to an average yield increase of 15 to 20 tonnes per acre for the sugarcane. This practice aids in optimal land utilization and helps maintain the crop rotation cycle.
However, despite the increase in cotton acreage in Daund taluka, there is currently no authorized cotton procurement center. Farmers are demanding the establishment of a procurement center at the Daund APMC so that they do not have to travel to other regions to sell their produce.
This year, the cotton crop is facing a significant weed infestation problem. In this context, farmers are being advised to focus on timely weeding and proper crop management. The region's fertile black soil and appropriate crop rotation can help boost cotton productivity.
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